By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/29/2018

"I was born in Jersey City and moved out to the suburbs, Scotch Plains when I was about eight years old," says the man known as, "New Jersey's Bad Boy," as he discussed his upcoming appearances at the NJPAC in Newark on Saturday April 7. 

Comedian Mike Marino, has attended some of the most, "Prestigious acting schools in New York" and has performed his comedy in venues all over the country and the world; yet this guy from North Jersey really didn't intend it to happen that way. "I've been an actor my entire life, ever since I was a little kid; I never really wanted to be a comedian. I didn't get into comedy until I was around 28 or 29. I had already been on a lot of TV commercials and I was in soap operas ("One Life to Live," "As The World Turns") and when I moved to California trying to get work as an actor, a lot of people kept saying that I was funny and the way you people from New Jersey sound and the way you act and you don't even look like you're Italian because I had blonde hair and blue eyes, so I just went with it. I started meeting a lot of other comedians, I cut my teeth at the Comedy Store and I got addicted to it.There's no better high than performing and having people laugh and enjoy what you're doing and through stand up I ended up getting parts on TV shows and parts in movies and now I'm in the top 100 touring comedians in the country."

Marino has paid his dues to grace those small and big screens and through hard work and dedication or perhaps tenacity; his career is now in full bloom. "I was on "Party of Five," "Becker," "Frazier," I was a regular sketch player on "The Tonight Show" for about 10 years. I just finished a movie that's out now called, "Criticized." I actually co-star as a detective looking for the murderer; it's on Amazon Prime and my most recent live performance from the Borgata in Atlantic City is now on Amazon Prime too. They both came out at the same time with the same director which is really great for us all. We've also created a TV series about me running for President of the United States ("Marino 2016"). Go to my YouTube channel, "Mike Marino Live" and watch the series that we created, it's very funny." 

Marino lives on the west coast these days, closer to the epicenter of his career but comes home as often as possible and this coming week is a reunion with friends, family and most of all; his fans. "The Make America Italian Again Tour," stops at one of the best known venues in the country, the NJPAC. With both shows nearing sold out status, Marino doesn't even attempt to hide his excitement and promises a fun night for those who attend. "This is big man.This is a big night we're doing two shows; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. I've got a DJ playing music that's going to put people in a great mood; I always have a DJ that makes people happy. I've got Bill Spadea hosting the show from 101.5 and then I brought in John Bramnick who is a state assemblyman and he wanted to do stand up so I said, OK you're on the show (laughs). So you're gonna get some politics and then you're gonna get 100 percent of me losing my mind on one of the most incredible stages in the country." 

Never one to shy away from discussing his Italian heritage, he finds humor in his family and some stereotypes. Perhaps this is the reason why he returns often to his Jersey roots and goes, "Facebook Live" with a show from his lower level and engages fans, celebrities, friends and more. "I have a house still in New Jersey; I actually own the home I grew up in which is where I do the show, "Live From My Mothers Basement" and I have a place in Los Angeles. I'm coming home Friday for about five weeks but I'll be going to Pittsburgh,PA, Florida; so it depends on where I'm touring. I do three shows a week somewhere around the world, and I do a cruise ship once a month; it's phenomenal."

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Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

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Marino averages between 150 and 200 shows a year and if you want to catch him next Saturday at NJPAC or anywhere else on this tour; please visit www.mikemarino.net for tickets and more information. 

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON! 

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This week's event listings

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Alchemist & Barrister  
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-5555  
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"  
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)  
 

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Arts Council of Princeton  
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-8777  
Please check web page for upcoming events  

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Bill's Olde Tavern  
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton  
(609) 586-0192  
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia  
Ages 21+  
 

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Blend Bar & Bistro  
911 Highway 33 Hamilton  
(609) 245-8887  
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia  Jam  
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 
 

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Bowman's Tavern  
1600 River Road New Hope, PA  
(215) 862-2972  
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Dave Dales Trio 
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan  
Sat. 7 p.m. Patrick & Debra 
Sun. (Closed for Easter) 
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott  
Tues. 6 p.m. Ed Wilson 
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo 
 

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room  
19 E. Union Street Burlington  
(609) 733-356  
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Sara M 
Sat. 9 p.m. Forever Vista 

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Bung's Tavern  
2031 Route 130 South Burlington  
(609) 499-1355  
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic 
 

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Candlelight Lounge  
24 Passaic Street Trenton  
(609) 695-9612  
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)  
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers) 
 

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Chickie's & Pete's  
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown  
(609) 298-9182  
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night  
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia  
 

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City Streets  
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor  
(609) 426-9400  
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays"   
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea  
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval  
 

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COARadio.com  
125 South Main Street Hightstown  
(609) 241-7103  
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Doc Rotten                                                                                                                                             

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Dadz Bar & Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton  
(609) 267-4344  
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night w/ DJ Phil 
Fri. 10 p.m. Sugar Rush Rocks 
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Karaoke Dance Party 
Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music  
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith  
 

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Diamond's of Hamilton  
661 Route 33 Hamilton  
(609) 981-7900  
Fri. 6 p.m. Tymes 2
Sat. 9 p.m. "Back In The Day" w/ DJ Anthony Bradley
Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. (TBA)
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano.   
 

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Dog & Bull Brew House  
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.  
(215) 788-2855  
Thurs. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson 
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Dustin Beck 
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski (9 p.m.) Vince Schneider 
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Keli Vale  

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Freddies Tavern  
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing  
(609) 882-0978  
Fri. 8 p.m. Rich Scanella 
Sat. 8 p.m. Judge & Jury
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala  

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Grover's Mill Coffee House  
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction  
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker  

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Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Deb & Mike
 

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Havana New Hope  
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.  
(215) 862-9897  
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party  
Sat. (8 p.m.) "Phil Collins Tribute" w/ Hello I Must Be Going. Doors at 6 p.m., $35 (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party  
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke  
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Joshua Van Ness / Jessica Paris
 

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Hopewell Theater  
5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell  
(609) 466-1964  
Check web page for upcoming events     

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Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn  
15 East Broad Street Hopewell  
(609) 466-9889  
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night  
 

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards  
46 Yard Avenue Pennington  
(609) 737-4465  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Catmoondaddy
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Silent Q
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Acoustic Road
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. (TBA)

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill  
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA  
(267) 914-4517  
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher  
Fri. 7 p.m. Billy The Kid
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Grin
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam  
 

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Iron Plow Vineyards  
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus  
(732) 306-9111  
Fri. 6 p.m. John Rossi
Sat. 1 p.m. Terry Rivel

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Ivy Tavern  
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton  
(609) 888-1435  
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke  
Fri. 9 p.m. Blues In Disguise 
Sat. 9 p.m. AM Mafia
All shows 21+  
 

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Jake's Eatery  
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA  
(215) 322-6787  
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Julian Roso
Sat. 9 p.m. Bob Shetzline
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson  
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night  
 

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John & Peter's  
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.  
(215) 862-5981  
Thurs. 9 p.m. JP & The Swiss Guard
Fri. 9 p.m. Room for Mojo
Sat. (3 p.m.) Fahrenheit (9:30 p.m.) Brother Eye, Suffacox, mk2
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.  
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational  
All shows 21+ 

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Jo-Jo's Tavern & Restaurant 
2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Audiopilot
 

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Killarney's Publick House  
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton 
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd 
Sat. 8 p.m. El Ka Bong
 

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Laurita Winery  
85 Archertown Road New Egypt  
(609) 752-0200  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Yoga and Wine"
Sat. 1 p.m. Rick Winow
Sun. 10:30 a.m. "Easter Brunch"
 

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Logan Inn  
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA  
(215) 862-2300  
Fri. 7:30 p.m. John Beacher & Guest 
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Jeff Penque
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. (TBA)
 

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Mamma Rosa's  
572 Klockner Road Hamilton  
(609) 588-5454  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider  
 

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McGuinn's Place  
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence  
(609) 392-0599  
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke  
Ages 21+  
 

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McStews Irish Sports Pub  
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA  
(215) 949-9570  
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim  
Fri. 10 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ O_Geez 
Sat. 9 p.m. The Fredz, Bottoms Up
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike  
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment  
 

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Millhill Basement  
300 S. Broad Street Trenton  
(609) 989-1600  
Fri. 9 p.m. The Cryptkeeper Five, Doc Rotten (EP Release Party), Lamplighters
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase  
 

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Mojito Cuba Caribe  
90 South Main Street New Hope, PA  
(267) 740-2900  
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris  
 

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New Hope Winery  
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA  
(215) 794-2331  
Check web site for upcoming events

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Nook's PourHouse  
2043 Route 130 South Florence  
(609) 447-0927  
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics  
 

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Nottingham Tavern  
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square  
(609) 587-6623  
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave  
Fri. 8 p.m. Moot Davis & Bill Corvino
Sat. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow  
Ages 21+  

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O'Connor's American Bar & Grille
1383 Monmouth Road East Hampton
(609) 261-1555
Fri. 6 p.m. "Irish Murder Mystery Dinner" 
Sun. 11 a.m. "Easter Celebration"
 

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Old Town Pub  
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
(609) 291-9232  
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)  
 

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Palermo's Of Hamilton  
310 Klockner Road Hamilton  
(609) 838-7979  
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke 
Sat. 9 p.m. Smoked Ice
All shows 21 +  
 

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Patriots Crossing  
1339 River Road Titusville  
(609) 737-2780  
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
 

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Parx Casino (360 Bar)  
2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA  
(888) 588-7299  
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Latin Night" w/ DJ George Dennis 
Fri. (5 p.m.) Laughing Water (9:30 p.m.) Fish Out of Water (10 p.m.) DJ Capps 
Sat. (5 p.m) Pagoda City Allstars (9:30 p.m.) Jamison Celtic Rock (10 p.m.) DJ Paul Desisto
Sun. 6 p.m. "Parkette Auditions" 
Wed. 8 p.m. Latin Comedy Night w/ JJ Ramirez

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Pete's Steak House  
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton  
(609) 585-8008  
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke  
 

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Randy Now's Man Cave 
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
(609) 424-3766  
Fri. 8 p.m. Jet Weston & His Atomic Ranch Hands. $10
Wed. 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. Robyn Hitchcock. $40. (Check for ticket availability) 

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Rossi's Bar & Grill  
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton  
(609) 890-2004  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White
 

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Salt Creek Grille  
1 Rockingham Row Princeton  
(609) 419-4200  
Fri. 8 p.m. Michael Bernabe
Sat. 8 p.m. Brad Mandingo
 

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Small World Coffee  
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-4377 x2  
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Darla Rich Quartet

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45th Street Pub
2545 Route 130 South Edgewater Park
(856) 488-4578
Fri. 4:30 p.m. David Dzubinski Trio

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1867 Sanctuary  
101 Scotch Road Ewing  
(609) 392-6409
No events scheduled due to Easter holiday

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Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown  
(609) 286-2300  
Fri. 10 p.m. The Quattro
Sat. 10 p.m. Ted & The Pickles
 

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Tavern On The Lake  
101 Main Street Hightstown  
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 9 p.m. Vince Sasso Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Extreme Measures
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night  
 

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Temperance House  
5 South State Street Newtown, PA  
(215) 944-8050  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger  
Fri. 7 p.m. Sister Blue
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly  
Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan  
 

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The Cool Cricket  
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro  
(609) 291-9110  
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke  
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir

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The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 8 p.m. JB Rocks
Sat. 8 p.m. Celtic Connection

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The HOB Tavern  
146 Second Street Bordentown  
(609) 291-7020  
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment  
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night  
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)  
 

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The Ivy Inn  
248 Nassau Street Princeton  
(609) 921-8555  
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron  
Fri. 10 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Rockin' Ron
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv  
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron  
 

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The Pines Tavern  
6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA  
(215) 788-1659  
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.  
 

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The Raven  
385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA  
(215) 862-2081  
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) All Male Revue  
Fri. (7 p.m.) Kathy Babe Robinson w/ Michael Ferreri (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party  
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (7:30 p.m.) "Drag Me To The Top" w/ Paige Turner (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 
 

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The Record Collector  
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
(609) 324-0880  
Check web site for upcoming events

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The Roost  
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge  
(609) 208-0050  
Sat. 9 p.m. Ernie White Duo
   

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The Sticky Wicket  
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton  
(609) 439-0007  
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio  
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke  
 

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The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Check website for upcoming events  
 

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The Sycamore Grill  
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA  
(215) 908-6326  
Thurs. 8 p.m. Bob Rotondo
Fri. 8 p.m. Kick Bax Acoustic Trio
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsmen
 

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Tir Na Nog  
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton  
(609) 392-2554 
Fri. 9 p.m. David Falcone
Sat. 9 p.m. Kevin McCloskey
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by ZQ
All shows  21+  
 

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Trenton Buzz  
702 Pine Street Trenton  
(609) 392-6000  
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.  
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman  
 

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Trenton Coffee House and Roaster
750 Cass Street Trenton
(609) 379-0549
Thurs. 6 p.m. Scutches, Rob Black Band, Nikki Nailbomb, Flan. $8
 

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Trenton Social  
449 South Broad Street Trenton  
(609) 989-7777  
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P 
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
 

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)  
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.  
(215) 862-8300  
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia  
Fri. 10 p.m. Core Four Ensemble. $5 (cover charge)  
Sat. 10 p.m. Darlingtyn. $5 (cover charge)  
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)   
All shows 21+  
 

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Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location) 
138 Nassau Street Princeton 
(609) 924-7855 
Fri. 10 p.m. Pepperwine
Sat. 10 p.m. Essie & the Big Chill
 

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Wildflowers Inn  
2572 Pennington Road Pennington  
(609) 773-2392  
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night  
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia 
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
 

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Working Dog Winery  
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown  
(609) 371-6000  
Sat. 1 p.m. Pennington Station Band

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Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

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Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

 

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